Firefighters rescue driver from truck dangling off bridge

Firefighters made a daring rescue of a truck driver whose cab was dangling over the San Joaquin River after a collision on the Interstate 5 bridge.

Firefighters from the Lathrop-Manteca Fire District responded at 5:16 a.m. Thursday to a traffic collision on southbound Interstate 5 at the San Joaquin River.

Upon arrival, crews found that a single box truck had crashed with the tractor breaching the guardrail and hanging above the San Joaquin River with the driver still inside.

 Firefighters worked quickly to stabilize the vehicle and prepare for a vertical rescue of the driver.

 Contact was made with the driver by cell phone during the rescue.

Rescuers used a ladder truck to extend over the top of the vehicle while a firefighter was lowered to the cab of the truck to facilitate the rescue.

 After placing a harness on the driver, the victim was removed from the vehicle and placed safely onto the roadway.

Approximately 10 firefighters were able to complete the rescue in less than 30 minutes.

The driver from Stockton, was evaluated by paramedics and determined to be uninjured.

“We are grateful for the preparation, expertise and skill of our firefighters in facilitating this rescue. Thankfully the driver was uninjured and promptly returned to solid ground.” stated Fire Chief Dave Bramell.

The damaged truck released a small quantity of diesel fuel into the river below. The fuel was contained, and California environmental agencies were notified to assist.

 Cargo in the truck was determined to be new air-conditioner units with no hazard found.

Units remained on scene to assist the California Highway Patrol with the removal of the truck from the bridge. The incident occurred during the busy morning commute and traffic was delayed throughout the morning